Seth Udinski, FISM News
After reports of a conference move earlier this week, it is now official – the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma will join the Southeastern Conference (SEC). On Friday, the schools officially accepted the SEC’s formal invitation to join the conference.
In is unconfirmed as of now, but it appears the move will take effect in the 2025 season. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said after the move became official,
Today is an exciting day. There’s a lot of opportunity on the horizon, and we feel great about our future. So, as we head into Big 12 action this fall, we’ll be competing as hard as ever, striving to be champions on and off the field, and representing our league with the pride and passion that epitomizes our Texas Longhorns. We have a rich tradition and history, and we will continue to compete proudly as members of the Big 12 as we prepare for our future in the SEC in 2025.
Those in the Big 12, such as conference commissioner Bob Bowsly, are not so thrilled but seemed resigned to their fate:
We are disappointed these discussions went as far as they did without notice to, or inclusion of, other Big 12 members. Despite our concerns for the process and for the overall health of college athletics, we will do everything possible to make sure that the student-athletes at both universities enjoy an excellent experience throughout the remaining four years of their participation and competition in the Big 12 Conference.